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A close-up of a vibrant bowl of butter chicken featuring tender chunks of chicken in a rich, creamy orange sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro, served alongside fluffy white rice and colorful vegetables on a rustic wooden table.

Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken

  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Dairy options: Dairy-Free

Description

Discover the deliciously creamy and flavorful Quick & Easy Homemade Butter Chicken, perfect for busy weeknights and comforting fall dinners. This simple recipe combines tender chicken in a rich tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices, offering a hassle-free way to enjoy a classic Indian-inspired dish that pairs beautifully with rice and vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the garam masala. Set aside.
  2. Melt butter or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger to the same skillet. Sauté until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  4. Stir in remaining spices—turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and the rest of the garam masala. Cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add tomato sauce, stirring well. Simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors and thicken sauce.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in heavy cream or coconut milk and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until heated through and creamy.
  7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over rice with vegetables or naan.

Notes

  • You can prepare the butter chicken a day ahead and reheat gently for enhanced flavor.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg

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Find it online: https://recipeswonders.com/quick-easy-homemade-butter-chicken-3/